The National Weather Service in Spokane updated a red flag warning late Wednesday that remains in effect until 11 a.m. Thursday for many communities across Central and Eastern Washington. The advisory covers regions including the Methow Valley, the Central Cascades foothills, the Waterville Plateau and portions of the Columbia Basin.
What to expect Thursday
Forecasters say two distinct rounds of thunderstorms will move through the warned area from Wednesday night into Thursday evening. The first wave will advance northward through Central Washington overnight into Thursday morning and will include a mix of storms that may be either wet or dry. Rainfall in most locations is expected to be light — generally under a tenth of an inch — although localized higher totals are possible where storms stall or multiple cells pass over the same spot.
"Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening," the National Weather Service in Spokane wrote in the update.
A second batch of storms is forecast to push from the southwest toward the northeast late Thursday morning into the evening. That later activity carries the greater potential for stronger cells, with frequent lightning and hail possible. Forecasters emphasize that lightning strikes can ignite new fires, and that gusty outflow winds from thunderstorms could spread any newly ignited blazes quickly.
Areas explicitly included
The warning lists the following forecast zones by name and number:
- East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)
- East Portion of North Cascades National Park / Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)
- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)
- Methow Valley (Zone 704)
- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)
- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)
- Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)
Potential impacts and safety guidance
Primary concerns from the NWS are new fire starts ignited by lightning and the ability of gusty outflow winds to accelerate fire growth. Outflow winds associated with the storms could range roughly between 20 and 40 mph, producing erratic conditions that complicate firefighting and evacuation efforts.
Local officials and fire districts typically advise residents in warned areas to take precautions now: remove easily ignitable materials from around homes, secure outdoor equipment, avoid activities that could produce sparks, and be prepared to follow evacuation orders if they are issued. Motorists should also be cautious of sudden wind gusts and localized heavy rain or hail that could reduce visibility and create slippery roads.
| Threat | Expected range |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | Trace to 0.1 inch (locally higher) |
| Outflow winds | About 20–40 mph |
| Coverage | Isolated to scattered thunderstorms |
How residents can stay informed
People living, working or recreating in the named zones should monitor updates from the NWS Spokane office and local emergency management agencies. Watches and warnings can change quickly during active weather; official channels including local radio, county emergency alert systems and the NWS website will carry the latest advisories. If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately to 911 and follow any instructions from first responders.
The red flag warning remains in force until 11 a.m. Thursday; however, the threat from thunderstorms and their aftereffects could continue into the evening in some areas. Residents should plan accordingly and prioritize safety while the weather system moves through.
